Sports & Youth Representation: Cairah Curran was named to the inaugural American Samoa National Women’s Softball Team as the territory targets Olympic qualification for LA28, with the squad set to compete in the 2026 Canada Cup in July. Coast Guard & Regional Presence: USCGC Hollyhock returned to Honolulu after its first Operation Blue Pacific patrol, including a port call in Pago Pago and law-enforcement support in Tonga. Local Governance & Permitting: Gov. Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula says the Land Use Permit application process has been streamlined to improve compliance and speed up review. Environment & Community Recognition: The Department of Commerce Wetlands Program held a Wetlands Appreciation and Recognition event honoring Wetlands Champions and highlighting wetlands’ cultural and ecological value. Infrastructure Updates: DPW mitigation projects for Fagaima Road and Tualauta are still progressing slowly due to right-of-way and federal environmental review requirements. Public Safety (Court/Police): Police charged a man after an alleged machete threat during a family disturbance, and another case saw charges after an alleged assault between brothers. Federal Funding & Policy: Uifa’atali Amata highlighted House progress on nutrition support for American Samoa totaling $12.2 million for 2027, and also advanced multiple appropriations priorities tied to OIA operations and Pago Pago port planning. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: A public request for clarification and renewed criticism focus on fast-moving U.S. plans for commercial deep-sea minerals leases near American Samoa, raising concerns about oversight and transparency. Disaster Readiness: Tsunami advisories were issued across the Pacific after a 7.8 earthquake near the Philippines, including for American Samoa and Guam, urging coastal agencies to inform residents and monitor conditions.